England fast bowling consultant Tim Southee has backed Jose Buttler to bounce back in a big way at the 2026 T20 World Cup despite his slender run with the bat. Buttler has endured a tough campaign so far, managing just 62 runs from six matches at an average of 10.33 and a strike rate of 110.71, with a top score of 26.
However, Southee insisted that the class remained permanent. Describing Buttler as one of the most dangerous white-ball batsmen in the game, he said the smaller slumps could bring added pressure. Southee added that Buttler is hitting the ball brilliantly in the nets and is just a few good shots away from producing another match-winning innings.
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“No, Jos – I’ve played with him and against him a lot – and he’s one of the most dangerous white-ball batsmen to play the game. When you’re that good, even a little slip can put a little bit more pressure on you,” Southee told a press conference ahead of the Super 8 match against New Zealand.
“But he’s hitting the ball as well as he’s ever done in the nets and I’m sure he’s just a few good shots away from another amazing innings – the kind we’ve seen from him so many times over the years.”
‘BUTTLER DOES ALL HE CAN’
Southee said that although Buttler is out of form, it does not diminish all that he has achieved with the bat for England.
“He goes about his business and does everything he can to perform. That’s the hardest part of being a batsman – you can have a few low scores but that doesn’t take away from all the great things he’s done for England and in T20 cricket over the years,” Southee added.
England have already qualified for the semi-finals after their two-wicket win over Pakistan on Tuesday. Their next match will primarily determine who from New Zealand or Pakistan joins them in the semi-finals.
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Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
26 Feb 2026 20:56 IST
